Nethercutt: Cantor loss is warning to GOP leaders

Congressman Tom Foley, and wife Heather (far right) answer questions from reporters in the late evening on election night Nov. 8, 1994 in Spokane. Foley trailed throughout the night and lost the election to George Nethercutt, ending a 30-year political career. (Anne Williams / The Spokesman-Review)

Former Rep. George Nethercutt, who pulled off his own dramatic unlikely Congressional victory 20 years ago unseating Speaker of the House Tom Foley, of Spokane, said Tuesday he could see parallels between his experience and that of David Brat.

“It’s a message, as I look at it, to all members of the House: You’ve got to pay attention to what people at home are saying,” Nethercutt said.

Calling Majority Leader Eric Cantor a “rising young star” and “a bright young guy,” Nethercutt said it’s possible the Virginia Republican got too wrapped up in his leadership role and lost sight of his constituents’ wishes. He said he doesn’t want to see the same happen to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who currently heads the House Republican Caucus and is a fixture at press events with Cantor and other GOP leaders. Her office did not respond to a request for comment on Cantor’s loss late Tuesday.

McMorris Rodgers, chairwoman of the House Republican Caucus, is the fourth-highest ranking member of Congress, behind the Speaker of the House, Majority Leader and Majority Whip.

“Anybody from Eastern Washington needs to pay attention to the voters at home,” Nethercutt said.

McMorris Rodgers has three opponents in the August primary: Republican Tom Horne, Democrat Joe Pakootas and Independent Dave Wilson. The two candidates with the most votes will face-off in November.

Photo caption:
Congressman Tom Foley, and wife Heather (far right) answer questions from reporters in the late evening on election night Nov. 8, 1994 in Spokane. Foley trailed throughout the night and lost the election to George Nethercutt, ending a 30-year political career.